Should I install a Transgo Shift Kit 4T65-E?

**TheRiGuy** · 02-12-2017

I'm trying to decide if I should install a transgo shift kit into my 2007 Grand Prix base with 160,000kms as a preventative maintenance. I am not currently having any issues with the transmission but would like to drop the pan and change the fluid/filter in the spring and was wondering if I should bother going a bit deeper to install the accumulator springs/shims.

I read nothing but good things online about these kits but this is usually about fixing existing shifting problems and not preventative maintenance. And when I talk to people in person I usually hear its not worth installing unless I start getting hard shifts because it will make the shifting a lot more unpleasant.

So I'm curious what some of the experts here think.
-how will the shifting feel compared to a normally operating 4T65-E?
-are there any draw backs from installing these parts?
-is this effective at extending the life of the transmission or just hiding problems?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 02-12-2017

Yes, buy one.

**GTPpower** · 02-12-2017

No need to install unless you have the hard shifts problem.

It does help prevent a little clutch wear, but is harder on the hard parts like the input shaft, drive chain, etc.

**markpa** · 02-13-2017

I put one in all 3 of mine with no codes. Guess you could call that preventative maintenance. They all shift better. I would do it.

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**SaukRapids** · 02-13-2017

It makes sense to do if you're changing the fluid anyway. It's very easy. You may want to apply the fix to hold the lines into the accumulator. It's a sonnax part - http://www.sonnax.com/parts/2534-dif...e-retainer-kit

If you're having laggy 2-1 downshifts that sometimes bangs back into gear, this may not help. I read that the 1-2 solenoid needs the trans side cover removed. Fluid gets in there, causing it to fail. My trans still has this issue even with the kit installed.

**markpa** · 02-13-2017

I also added the second magnet to all 3 pans and plan to change fluid every 30k. All things these tranny's like

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**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 02-13-2017

Being that it's a base model and doesn't have the power/torque a supercharged car does and that fact that it's not modded shouldn't really put any extra stress on the hard parts that would lead to a failure.

I'd do it now just so it's something I wouldn't have to think about again.

**GTPpower** · 02-13-2017

It doesn't take much power to snap an input shaft. Shocking them is what snaps it.

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 02-13-2017

I'll take my chances, installed several over the past years with never having a problem. Half of them have been in for over 3-4 years already. Never seen or heard of a failure just from installing one. Even TEP has no clause saying don't install if you don't have problems because something might happen.

**GTPpower** · 02-13-2017

I do agree that chances are, nothing will happen until you get to the 13 second power level. But if everything is working fine with these cars, I usually leave them alone.

**Bronco Boy** · 02-13-2017

Originally Posted by TheRiGuy

I'm trying to decide if I should install a transgo shift kit into my 2007 Grand Prix base with 160,000kms as a preventative maintenance.

Yes.

-how will the shifting feel compared to a normally operating 4T65-E?

You won't notice a difference.

-are there any draw backs from installing these parts?

No, other than the cost of the part and your time.

-is this effective at extending the life of the transmission or just hiding problems?

Depends on who you talk to. With no other problems, you are just helping the tranny shift quicker. I have a wine and what I believe to be a bad PCS. The shift kit keeps the CEL off, but I consider it a band-aid solution as the wine is still there. I installed my shift kit 6.5 years ago; never a CEL, but the wine is still there. I call this "repair" a very sticky band-aid. LOL

**Scottydoggs** · 02-13-2017

the local shop that rebuilt my friends trucks tranny installs a shift kit no matter what. i asked about it, he stated its part of his rebuilds.

i got one in my cars tranny. make the shifts a bit snappier.

**98grand** · 02-13-2017

I have the same car and put the same shift kit in mine. I like it just way I see it as preventive maintenance. I did mine about 3 years ago also installed the sonax part mentioned above. Also have two magnets in pan. All is really easy to install. I also do fluid and filter changes every 30 thousand.

**TheRiGuy** · 02-13-2017

alright sounds like I'm putting in a shift kit, differential lube tube retainer and a second magnet. thanks everyone. Is there a recommended location in the pan to place the second magnet?